Javokhir Sindarov is on top of his game and at the Candidates 2026, after round 7, Sindarov on six points with a 1.5-point lead. His nearest contender and only one within striking distance is Fabiano Caruana of United States. The eighth round will see Sindarov fighting it out against Esipenko but as of now he does look like a firm favourite.
The young Uzbek has so far kept his incredible run going, delivering a huge win to stay firmly in the title race at the Candidates. According to Hungarian GM Judit Polgar, no matter what the result is, the 20-year-old will go on to be a big name in the near future.
“Whatever happens in the next 7 rounds at the Candidates 2026, one thing is sure: we will see Javokhir Sindarov at the top of chess for many years.
He is 20 years old, a fearless player, a genius in management. He has a 1.5-point lead, but his face showed disappointment after today’s game ( (vs. Giri) as he felt there was a great opportunity to win again,” she wrote on X.
READ: ‘Sindarov is Fantastic But He’s Barely Played a Move, It’s All…’
She also raised questions about the challenges ahead.
“1. Can he keep calm and stay focused until the very end of the tournament?
2. Will he be able to handle the pressure of being so close to becoming the next World Championship challenger,” she asked.
However, not all assessments have been positive and despite Sindarov dominating his first-ever candidates, his approach drew criticism.
Iranian player Ali Mortazavi questioned the depth of his play and took to X and wrote: “Sindarov is a fantastic player, but he’s barely played a move, it’s all been prep. The one game he was out of prep he was lost…”
